AFDO STRIVES TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH...
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This Wednesday!
New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint: What Does It Mean for the Regulatory Community?
FDA released the New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint on July 13, outlining the agency’s plans over the next 10 years to create a more digital, traceable, and safer food system. Join AFDO for an hour of comments and questions with Frank Yiannas, FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Food Safety and Response, as he takes a deeper dive into the plan including areas of particular interest to state and local government staffs, and how AFDO members and stakeholders will play a role in its success
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
1:00 p.m. to 2 p.m. EDT
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Cathy Hosman Joins AFDO in New Role as Funding Programs Director
AFDO welcomed Cathy Hosman to the team starting October 1. Hosman is serving as Funding Programs Director and will be focused on coordinating the Retail sub-awarding Program and Milk/Shellfish sub-awarding Program. She will be managing subcontractors, the development and updating of project plans, the coordination with FDA, and ensuring the accuracy and completeness of reports to FDA. Hosman will assist with development of future cooperative agreement applications including development of programs, strategy, and review of drafts. She will serve as a subject matter expert for cooperative agreement related courses, workshops, and job aids for food regulatory programs and assist with project management and process improvement projects.
Hosman brings her more than thirty years of experience with the U. S. Food & Drug Administration to AFDO. Many AFDO members know Hosman from her work as a Project Manager in FDA’s Office of Partnerships (OP) where she managed the state human food and animal food contract audit programs. Hosman also managed the Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards (VNRFRPS) cooperative agreements. Hosman has also worked as Quality Systems Manager and Program Analyst in FDA’s New England District Office, successfully standing up their quality program and leading many process improvement projects. Hosman has her Project Management Certification from George Washington University and Quality Auditor (CQA) and Certified Manager of Quality and Organization Excellence (CMQOE) certifications from the American Society for Quality (ASQ).
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FDA Seeks Input on Labeling of Food Made with Cultured Seafood Cells
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing a Request for Information titled “Labeling of Foods Comprised of or Containing Cultured Seafood Cells,” to solicit information and data to help inform the agency and help determine what next steps may be needed to ensure that these foods are labeled properly.
Various companies, both domestic and foreign, are developing products using animal cell culture technology, and these products may soon enter the U.S. marketplace. This technology involves the controlled growth of animal cells and their harvesting and processing into food, either alone or combined with other food. The FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have agreed to jointly oversee the production of food products derived from the cultured cells of livestock and poultry while the FDA will regulate food products derived from the cultured cells of species under its jurisdiction, such as seafood (except Siluriformes fish, commonly known as catfish, which is regulated by the USDA).
The labeling of food derived from cultured seafood cells generally falls under the jurisdiction of the FDA while the labeling of food derived from cultured meat and poultry cells will be overseen by the USDA. The FDA and USDA are working to develop joint principles for product labeling and claims to ensure that products are labeled consistently and transparently.
Further information available here
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FDA to Hold Public Meetings to Discuss the Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods: Proposed Rule
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be holding a series of three virtual one-day public meetings to discuss the recently released proposed rule “Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods.” The purpose of the public meetings is to discuss the proposed rule, which was issued under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. These public meetings are intended to facilitate and support the public's evaluation and commenting process on the proposed rule.
First Virtual Public Meeting
November 6, 2020, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST
Register for November 6, 2020
Second Virtual Public Meeting
November 18, 2020, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST
Register for November 18, 2020
Third Virtual Public Meeting
December 2, 2020, 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. EST
Register for December 2, 2020
Registration is required to attend one of the virtual meetings. Space is limited so please register early. For general questions about the meetings, contact Juanita Yates, FDA, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, e-mail: Juanita.Yates@fda.hhs.gov.
More information here!
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40th Annual Food Safety & Sanitation (FSS) Workshop is FREE This Year!
The Northwest Food Safety & Sanitation Workshop addresses basic sanitation as well as cutting edge issues related to food sanitation and food safety. Topics having broad interest are covered in the general sessions. There are more specific subjects discussed in small breakout sessions, with basic and advanced tracks available.
You must register to receive the Zoom link. All interested attendees are required to have their own registration.
Please visit our website for additional workshop information and registration: http://ext100.wsu.edu/foodsanitation/
See more information here:
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Free Virtual Workshop on Listeria in the Retail Environment
 
FRF’s Food Industry Council (FIC) is partnering with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) to host a virtual Listeria training workshop on October 19 and 20.
Florida’s Food Safety experts will lead attendees in a deep dive on the control and prevention of Listeria in the retail space, and what to do if you get a positive sample. Attendees will also have access to a live Q&A session with FDACS’s Division of Food Safety.
The workshop will run from 9am-12pm (EST) each day and will be offered complimentary to interested attendees, spaces are limited.
Date: October 19 & 20, 2020
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm ET
View Agenda
Register Here
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2020 AFDOSS Annual Business Meeting & Virtual Member Update
Please join the upcoming Business Meeting & Membership Update on Oct. 27 at 9 a.m. ET. We are hosting this event to share important board updates and annual AFDOSS news with the entire membership, and we hope you can join us for this virtual event! Meet your new 2020-2021 AFDOSS Board and hear the latest updates on activities pertaining to AFDO and AFDOSS - see you then!
Meeting Details:
2020 AFDOSS Annual Business Meeting & Virtual Member Update
Hosted by Amy Bonsell
https://afdo.my.webex.com/afdo.my/j.php?MTID=m4d5f41cc71b83806866f8581477a743b
Tuesday, Oct 27, 2020 9:00 am | 1 hour | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Meeting number: 126 083 9581
Password: PPswS9pAC87 (77797972 from phones and video systems)
abec86a34cfa43858206f8e099e41a96
Join by video system
Dial 1260839581@webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.
Join by phone
+1-510-338-9438 USA Toll
Access code: 126 083 9581
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AOAC INT'L Launches Program to Evaluate Test Kits That Measure Yeast and Mold in Cannabis
AOAC INTERNATIONAL has launched a new project to develop technical requirements, evaluate, and certify the performance of test kits that enumerate total yeast and mold organisms in cannabis flower.
The project will employ the Emergency Response Validation option of the AOAC Research Institute’s Performance Tested Methods (PTM) and AOAC INTERNATIONAL’s Official Methods of AnalysisSM (OMA) programs with oversite from the Cannabis Analytical Science Program (CASP) advisory council.
This joint project will allow for the rapid development of emergency Standard Method Performance RequirementsSM (SMPRs) through CASP to provide acceptance criteria for method validation while conducting an evaluation and review of multiple test kit models in parallel through the PTM and OMA Programs to accelerate the availability and variety of certified test kits.
Yeasts and molds represent the two different forms of fungi that can grow in a wide range of environmental conditions, resulting in contamination of products and significant economic loss. In the absence of a federal framework of regulations for cannabis, states have individually developed microbial testing requirements and set action limits for approving or rejecting batches. Most states have set action levels at one of two concentrations for total yeast and mold analysis: < 103 or 104 CFU/g. It is estimated that between 10 and 20 percent of cannabis batches fail these microbial contaminant requirements. Recent surveys of cannabis products determined the presence of over 4,000 different fungal taxonomic classifications in cannabis flower, including several pathogenic fungal agents.
To ensure safer products are reaching consumers, regulators with states have requested that testing facilities use AOAC validated methods. However, no AOAC certified methods for yeast and mold enumeration in cannabis products are available. The objective of this project will be to create an emergency SMPR while concurrently performing a matrix extension to cannabis flower for PTM or OMA certified yeast and mold methods or grant an Emergency Response PTM status for new methods.
The project is projected to be underway on or about October 15, 2020. Regulators, method developers or cannabis/hemp laboratories interested in becoming a part of CASP or submitting a method as part of the validation study are encouraged to get involved.
For more information about submitting a method or becoming involved in CASP, contact Scott Coates at scoates@aoac.org, 301-924-7077 ext. 137 or Deborah McKenzie at dmckenzie@aoac.org, 301-924-7077 ext. 157.
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2021 AFDO-Managed Retail Program Standards Grant Program Due Tomorrow October 13
The 2021 AFDO-managed Retail Program Standards Grant Program is now open! Here is what you can expect:
- A simple application process, up-front funding when required by the project, and simple reporting requirements.
- More than $2 million in funding available!
- Eligibility for all jurisdictions enrolled in the Retail Program Standards (no matter if this is your first time applying, or if you have previously applied or have been funded in years past).
Please visit the Retail Program Standards Web site at http://afdo.org/retailstandards now to begin the application process. We strongly encourage you to register your email address here to receive news and updates about this funding opportunity.
Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, October 13, at 7:59 PM Eastern Time. The program provides funds to state, local, territorial, and tribal regulatory retail food programs that have enrolled in the Retail Program Standards for the completion of projects and training to enhance conformance with the Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards.
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NACCHO Announces Cohort 10 Applications for Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards Mentorship Program Due Tomorrow October 13
The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) invites all state, local, tribal, and territorial retail food regulatory programs to submit applications to participate in a mentorship program with their peers to learn, share experiences, and acquire tools and resources related to the FDA’s Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards (Retail Program Standards). Applications to become a mentor and/or mentee for Cohort 10 are due by Oct. 13, 2020 at 11:59 PM ET.
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Milk and Shellfish Grant Program:
Grant Portal Closes October 27, 2020
The 2021 Milk and Shellfish Grant Program is open until October 27 so plan now! Here is what you can expect:
- A simple application process and easy reporting.
- Eligibility for all National Grade “A” Milk Safety Programs and National Shellfish Sanitation Programs.
- More than $2.4 Million is expected to be awarded for Calendar Year 2021 Training and Equipment Projects.
- As in the past, the portal uses a simple, online application and reporting process.
Funds are currently available for completing projects that assist programs in achieving and/or maintaining compliance with requirements and goals of the National Grade “A” Milk Safety Program and National Shellfish Sanitation Program for the following:
- 2021 Calendar Year Training Needs Grants: Please carefully review the CY 2021 Grant Guidance to be posted on the AFDO Milk and Shellfish Grant Program website for a list of additional training options, given the COVID-19 travel limitations that are expected to impact course deliveries for at least the first half of CY 2021.
- Milk and Shellfish Training Requests May Include: Courses or Seminars meeting the intent of the Milk and Shellfish Grant Program (with published dates for CY 2021), Regional Seminars (expected to occur), and alternative web-based training (with strong justification). In-state training, staff training meetings, university-based online courses, and other types of trainings will also be considered when adequate justification is provided describing how this grant program’s goals are supported.
- 2021 Calendar Year Equipment Needs Grants: The portal will open again in early 2021 for Equipment Grants and Additional Training Opportunities (to be announced for August through December 2021). More information is expected to be released late in 2020, with the portal opening in approximately January or February 2021.
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Release of CIFOR Guidelines 3rd edition
On World Food Safety Day, June 5, 2020, the third edition CIFOR Guidelines for Foodborne Disease Outbreak Response was published on the CIFOR website! Due to the impact of COVID-19 response, CIFOR leadership approved the soft launch and promotion of the online version in favor of saving the larger promotions and printed release for the fall of 2020.
- The Guidelines incorporate significant changes in the foodborne disease surveillance and outbreak investigation framework since the second edition of the Guidelines was published. The third edition highlights:
- The implementation of whole genome sequencing, advanced molecular detection and culture-independent diagnostic tests
- The integration of consumer complaint systems with pathogen-specific surveillance
- The importance of sub-cluster investigations and epidemiologic tracebacks
- The importance of environmental assessments
- The importance of after-action reviews
- More coordinated inclusion of communications sections.
- Elimination of CIFOR metrics and better referencing of existing program metrics.
The third edition can be accessed here: https://cifor.us/products/guidelines.
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FDA Finalizes Framework That Will Resume Shellfish Trade with EU
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today finalized a molluscan shellfish equivalence determination for two European Union (EU) Member States, Spain and the Netherlands.
“Today’s announcement is a significant milestone that will resume trade in shellfish between the United States and the EU for the first time since 2010. These actions reflect key strategic international engagement and several years of careful review by the FDA on behalf of consumers at home and abroad,” said Anna Abram, Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Legislation and International Affairs. “Today we’re helping unlock economic opportunity by creating a path forward to new market access for U.S. exporters.”
The equivalence determination finalizes the proposed determination that the FDA published in the Federal Register in 2018 and is a result of a multi-year, in-depth review of EU shellfish safety controls implemented in Spain and the Netherlands. Technical experts on both sides of the Atlantic have completed separate equivalence assessments and each side recommended a finding of equivalence after reviewing food safety control measures for molluscan shellfish and on-site audits to verify the other’s systems. The FDA will recognize other EU Member States in the future, as appropriate, in separate determinations.
“Today we’re making a wider selection of healthy and safe seafood options available to the American consumer from Europe,” said Frank Yiannas, Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response. “Americans can be confident in the equivalence determination that Spain and the Netherlands have implemented safety controls that are equivalent to ours, thereby enabling us to allow Spain and the Netherlands to export raw molluscan shellfish to the United States. The FDA is committed to keeping consumers safe and ensuring the safety of our food supply, and that includes seafood, whether it is imported or harvested domestically.”
In a separate action, the European Commission has also made a food safety equivalence determination that will permit raw and processed molluscan shellfish, including clams, mussels, oysters and scallops, to be imported from the United States, beginning with shellfish from Massachusetts and Washington.
Additional Resources:
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Podcast: Zooming Into Virtual Meetings and Training
In this AFDO podcast, we visit with Nancy Singer and Christine Rance. The pair has 50+ years combined experience providing innovative trainings that change behaviors. The pair met the need for virtual training during the COVID-19 crisis head on. During our podcast, Singer and Rance share their tips for continuing in a virtual world. Check out the video interview here.
You can access the AFDO podcast catalog at the following links. Videos can be found at https://afdo.podbean.com/ and audio podcasts at https://afdoaudio.podbean.com/. Or download the AFDO app (IT'S FREE) so you can listen or watch on the go. The app is available for iPhone and Android.
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PFSE Seeking Submissions for March 2021 Conference
Abstract submission is open until October 14.
Submission tracks are: 1) Cutting Through Clutter: What’s working to engage consumers? and 2) Safe Food Handling in Today’s Food Landscape. Posters are welcome under the topic of Food Safety Education Program Successes. For more information or to submit go to: https://cfsec2021.fightbac.org/abstract-submission/
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APHL 2020 Virtual Conference
Tuesdays and Thursdays | September 22 - October 15
Join us for a free, month-long public health laboratory extravaganza! The APHL 2020 Virtual Conference will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays over the course of four weeks, from September 22 to October 15. Each day of the conference will include several 60-minute plenary sessions; posters with short video presentations by the authors; and a virtual exhibit hall with the latest in products and services and links to interact with exhibitors. View the full preliminary program to learn more. Conference registration is required to attend sessions, but registration is free so we encourage all levels of laboratory staff to attend!
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Spotlight for Food Protection Blog
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Meijer Recalls Whole Cantaloupes and Select Cut Cantaloupe Trays Due to Potential Health Risk
Meijer, in conjunction with Eagle Produce, LLC in Aguila, AZ., is announcing a voluntary recall of whole cantaloupe and select cut cantaloupe fruit trays and bowls. The recall is part of a sampling investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and is due to the potential risk of Salmonella.
Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. Read the full article....
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Consumers Warned to Avoid Unlicensed Cranston Nutrition Center Juice Products
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers to avoid juices, smoothies, and sea moss gel purchased from Health is Wealth Nutrition Center located at 1674 Cranston Street in Cranston.
According to RIDOH, it is because of the potential for processing, storage, and control issues with these products. The products under investigation include:
- Health is Wealth Sea Moss Drink. This juice is sold in a variety of flavors including but not limited to Blackberry, Fruit Punch, Soursop Guanabana, Strawberry, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Mango, Guava Guayaba, and Tamarind. These products are sold in 12oz and 16oz containers.
- Health is Wealth Sea Moss Smoothie. This smoothie is sold in a variety of flavors including but not limited to Pina Colada, Peanut Punch, Soursop/Guanabana, Cinnamon Vanilla, and Mango. These products are sold in 12oz and 16oz containers.
- Health is Wealth Sea Moss Gel. This gel is sold in a variety of flavors including Sea Moss Bladderwrack Aloe Vera Gel, Sea Moss Bladderwrack Gel, and Sea Moss Gel. These products are sold in 16 oz containers.
- Health is Wealth Sea Moss Protein Shakes. These shakes are sold in a variety of flavors including but not limited to Peanut and Cinnamon. These products are sold in 12oz and 16oz containers.
Read the full article....
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Army Veterinary Food Inspectors Keep Sailors Safe at Sea
Imagine you’re a U.S. Navy Sailor out to sea in 5th Fleet, Naval Forces Central Command region. During deployment, you’re enjoying lunch in the galley with your shipmates. As you look down at your food, you appreciate the fact that you have fresh lettuce and tomatoes on your hamburger.
The taste reminds you of home and being back in America. You feel good knowing that you have food that makes you feel recharged and able to do the mission.
However, what you don’t realize is that when your ship resupplied at sea, a U.S. Army veterinary food inspection specialist evaluated all of the food you and your shipmates consume to keep you safe from foodborne illnesses and other dangers. Read more....
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What’s It Like to Be a Local Health Inspector During a Global Pandemic? Sometimes, the Job Can Feel Like Whack-a-Mole.
Framingham Health Inspector Camille Griffin walked past the line of masked customers waiting to get into Trader Joe’s toward the employee counting those who entered and exited the grocery store.
Griffin, who wore her periwinkle health department-issued zip-up and badge, asked in a perky voice to see the manager.
She was there for her first in-person inspection of the Worcester Road store since the pandemic began. The visit was prompted by the second complaint received by the Health Department about overcrowding and lack of social distancing in the grocery store’s aisles since August.
As she walked around the store on her way to meet the manager for the unannounced inspection, Griffin clutched her clipboard.
She noticed the yellow chains the store had installed to ensure aisle traffic flowed in a single direction. She assessed the space between customers reaching for food on shelves. She eyed the grocery store’s employees to see if they were wearing masks, and if those masks fully covered their noses and mouths. Read more....
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New York - Director of Food Safety and Inspection
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking a collaborative, results-oriented, leader to join our team! The Director of the Division of Food Safety and Inspection will oversee one of the largest and most critical divisions within the agency, one that implements programs that help safeguard New York State’s food supply. The Director will be required to drive innovation, develop and motivate their team and be a continuous improvement agent for the Division. If you would like to work for a premier agency focused on enhancing the quality of life for the people of New York State by supporting production of agriculture; ensuring safe, nutritious and accessible food supply then this is the opportunity for you! Read more and apply....
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Other Training Opportunities
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Preventive Controls for Human Foods and Foreign Supplier Verification Programs
Intentional Adulteration Conducting Vulnerability Assessments (IAVA) Pilot (vILT) – NEW – 1 Day – Course Information Page
Preventive Controls for Human Foods (PCQI) Blended Course Part 2 Virtual (vILT) – NEW – 1 Day – Course Information Page
Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) Blended Course Part 2 Virtual (vILT) – NEW – 1 Day Course Information/Schedule Page
Classroom Training
Intentional Adulteration Conducting Vulnerability Assessments (IAVA) – 1 Day
Course Information/Schedule Page
Foreign Supplier Verification Programs Course (FSVP) – 2 Day
Course Information/Schedule Page
Preventive Controls for Human Foods Course (PCQI) – 3 Day
Course Information/Schedule Page
Preventive Controls for Human Foods (PCQI) Blended Course Part 2 – 1 Day
Course Information/Schedule Page
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The Food Safety Doctor LLC
Promoting Public Health and Food Safety through Training and FSMA Awareness
While sheltering in place, The Food Safety Doctor LLC is offering
- ONLINE Preventive Controls for Human Foods (PCQI) Courses
- October 13-15
- November 3-5
- December 1-3, 2020
Click here to access the schedule of online PCQI Courses
- ONLINE Foreign Supplier Verification Courses (FSVP-QI) Courses
- October 20-21
- November 17-18
Click here to access the schedule of online FSVP-QI courses
- Intentional Adulteration Vulnerability Qualified Individuals (IAVA-QI) Courses
- Online: October 12, 2020
- Online: October 22, 2020
- Online: November 19, 2020
- Online: December 4, 2020
- Online: January 12, 2021
- Face to Face: Singapore: November 9, 2021
Click here to access the schedule of IAVA-QI courses
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Laws and Regulations Committee Updates
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Laws and Regulations Committee Update
A collection of current food, drug, device, and consumer product regulatory issues and news
October 5 - 6, 2020
October 7 - 8, 2020
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